... we ought even to hold as a fixed principle that what I…
“... we ought even to hold as a fixed principle that what I see white I believe to be black, if the superior authorities define it to be so.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Points out that truth may be dictated by authority, warning against blind acceptance of imposed definitions.
In simple terms: Authority can label reality, but truth may differ.
Question authority’s definitions.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- education
- media consumption
- legal judgments
- scientific research
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When should you challenge an authority’s claim?
- How do you discern truth beyond imposed labels?
Authority can be misused to suppress dissent.